About Us

Bernie Velasquez, President & CEO, is the founder and owner of ATA Services, Inc.  He has more than 35 years experience in the management of administrative and technical functions as a top executive at commercial and government facilities. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Bernie has been recognized by the SBA’s Colorado District Office as Minority Small Business Person of the Year. He is a graduate of the University of New Mexico.

Phil Bogema, Chief Financial Officer, is a Certified Public Accountant having more than 30 years of experience with Government contractors, financial institutions, public sector accounting firms .  As ATA’s CFO, Phil is responsible for directing all financial activities of the Company in conjunction with the President. A graduate of Metropolitan State University, Phil has been associated with ATA since its inception in 1994. 

Kari Knowles, Chief Operating Officer, has been with ATA since 1998.  She holds SHRM and HRCI HR certifications, and directs the Human Resources, Project Management, Facilities and Operations activities of ATA.  She holds a BA from Cornell College and a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida.

Pete Harrod, Executive Vice President, is an experienced manager having held executive positions in both public and private corporations for the last 25 years. He  provides strategic, business development and operational direction and has done so for companies that have exceeded $65M in revenue and employed over 500 personnel. A licensed Professional Engineer and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, he has directed engineering and technical services businesses with a nationwide network of offices.

Marya Brancio, Director of Business Development, has more than 20 years of experience in the staffing and recruiting industry. Before joining ATA, Marya was the Executive Director of the Denver branch office of a national legal staffing company. Her experience includes management, operations, productivity and profitability, recruiting initiatives and developing and delivering client solutions. Prior thereto, she practiced law in-house and in private practice. She holds a JD from the University of Denver College of Law and a BA in Economics and Political Science from Moorhead State University. 

Sandy Gonzales, New Mexico Director of Operations, has more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources and Operations in both public and private organizations.  She is responsible for all business activities in the State of NM and maintains close working relationships with clients and employees to ensure needs are met.

Steven Tran, Controller, oversees ADP payroll functions, and a full range of accounting activities for the company.  A Colorado native, he has a degree in Accounting from the Metropolitan State University.  Steven has been with ATA since 2007.

Veronica Gutierrez, NM Operations Manager, has worked with ATA since 2004.  She brings 15 years of recruiting experience to the New Mexico team, staffing positions throughout the State and nationally.  Veronica has placed employees in positions with city, county, state, federal and commercial clients.

Andrea Brinkmann, Human Resource Manager, is a dedicated HR professional with 10 years  of experience managing a full spectrum of human resources programs, services, and functions.  Most recent responsibilities include:  program manager fully responsible for management of staff supporting Navarro Engineering, ADP on-boarding, recruitment, and compliance.  She has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa.

Jean Dokey, Receptionist/Administrative Assistant, has been with the company the past seventeen years.  Prior to ATA, she was in the banking industry for twenty two years.  Jean is a native of the State of Colorado and was born, raised and educated in Crested Butte.